Equals 24
EQUALS…
Author: Scotianova
Betas:
Carol38 (up to chap 26)
Bluecactus from chapter 27on.
Thanks to both of you!
Disclaimer: I don't own them and writing about them is just for fun.
Genre: A story about different shades of love
Pairing: Reid and Luke - as always
Characters: Reid Oliver, Luke Snyder, Ravi Oliver, Ruby Oliver II, Kathryn Peretti, Liath Orbanns, Damien Grimaldi, Henry Coleman,Dustin Donovan, Paul Ryan, Holly McLean…
Warning: none so far
Rating: sexual contents
Summary: On the surface they couldn’t be more different from every point of view, but if someone just looks closely at them…
AN: I know it's been a while, but I am honestly willing to finish this story and since bluecactus is helping a lot I am optimistic :)
Previous chapters can be found here: http://scotianova.livejournal.com/2015/02/08/
24
Luke was happy that Lucinda and Damian would be here with him - with them - soon.
He loved to be with Reid, Katie and the kids, he liked DD and even Papageno, he had no bad feelings towards the rest of the Olivers - except maybe Liath, there was something about the older man Luke couldn’t classify and that was bothering him. He’d never dealt well with situations he couldn’t interpret. Or - even worse - situations he badly misjudged. Probably it was one reason that he and Noah hadn’t worked and he and his mother didn’t get along either. He couldn’t help it, he couldn’t read Liath, the distant man who had bonded with Katie - he just hoped for her sake that it would turn out in a good way.
Lucinda and Damian would balance out the too one-sided family-construct at Oliver-mansion.
Well, Lucinda would refuse to be their guest - and so would Damian - they were both extremely independent persons, but Luke counted on Ravi and Ruby. Lucinda would fall in love with the kids instantly! She would adore Ravi just because he was Luke’s boy and she would love Ruby because the girl was actually something else and an especially strong-willed little person. In that department the girl could have been a descent of Lucinda!
One thing nagged at him though. Reid and he had just confirmed they were in a serious relationship and already he’d done something behind the redhead’s back - given Reid’s disgust of dishonesty and hiding - oh Man! He was in trouble! And Reid hated if someone tried to control him - what if he’d interpreted Luke’s jealousy and insecurity as kind of controlling?
Luke didn’t intend to treat Reid like Gavin had - in no way - yet calling Damian, engaging him to pry into the dancer’s life, huh that resembled the way Gavin had acted around Reid - at least according to Katie’s estimation.
Burying his fists even deeper in his pockets Luke paced his room. Gavin Lucas had moved to London the week after he’d broken things off with Reid. Luke had cautiously asked Reid the other day why he’d accepted the end of Gavin’s and his relationship, why he hadn’t asked for the exact reasons. “What for, Luke? Mentally he’d already packed his stuff - I’d even racked my brain on how to handle things - you know with Ravi suddenly being part of the equation - I’d looked up hospitals in London…and out of the blue Gavin needed time and space and the whole thing with me was too domestic, too narrow-minded for him. There was no more information needed. I knew if I’d probed further he’d list my shortcomings, my commonness, and my lack of social skills to substantiate his decision…! Whatever! It’s water under the bridge. Now he’s the idolized choreographer he always wanted to be - maybe a permanent significant other and a kid following him didn’t fit the concept. I don’t know, Luke, and I don’t care anymore.”
Reid had huffed and changed the subject.
Didn’t he actually mind anymore?
Of course Luke had googled the guy and found some awesome shots - he didn’t wear his hair long anymore. He was older than on the shot Damian had shown him. But aging did no harm to his stunning looks. There was especially one shot showing Gavin with his head shaved that just knocked Luke’s socks off.
Gavin Lucas wasn’t Luke’s type but he was outstandingly gorgeous. He wasn’t one of those ethereal classic ballet dancers, he was a toned piece of perfection. Compared to him Luke felt like a pale olm. After being with that man - what did Reid see in him?
He groaned, fuck! Life could be so good right now, so why did he feel so insecure and especially why were some idiots after Reid and him?
So Reid had considered moving to London with Gavin and Ravi. Something about the moving issue refused to leave Luke’s mind. Reid, Ravi and even Katie leaving the country for London - who would have been left with nothing? And inevitably Luke’s thoughts turned to Liath once again.
What if the sly fox had his hands in this - regardless of how much he’d denied it categorically?
Liath would have lost the people he loved most. And people were able to do a lot of strange things because of love.
Luke could imagine a few ways to threaten a man so that he panicked and left the love of his life. Lost in thoughts he didn’t notice the knock at his door and eventually Reid approaching from behind.
Startled he must have been a vision of shock.
“What’s wrong?” Reid asked frowning his voice husky with concern. Luke looked at him, hit by an undoubtedly truth, this man had enough on his plate and therefore he deserved the truth, nothing but the truth, even if it was disturbing.
“I was just thinking…”
“About what?”
Luke studied the tip of his shoe and didn’t know what to answer.
“Reid, what if Gavin showed up at your door, asked for your forgiveness and begged you to take him back?”
“Trust me, he won’t!”
“But what if?”
“Luke, you’re not speaking coherently!”
“I know and that’s because I am freaking terrified, Reid!
“Why? Because of the snufflers? We’ll find a way to deal with them. What have they to do with Gavin BTW?”
“No, it’s not about them. It’s…I’ve probably done something awfully stupid.” Luke rubbed his face in total helplessness.
“Luke…don’t freak me out…what is it?”
“It’s Gavin…!”
“I don’t understand…”
“Yeah, he’s freaking me out - the fact that you were together with the hottest, most talented ballet-God is …”
“You’re jealous of my past?” Reid smiled as if Luke had made him a compliment.
“It’s not funny…”
“But kind of cute…so that’s your wicked deed? You googled him?”
“No - yes … I did - AND I sent Damian after him.”
Now Reid was at a loss of words and just stared at Luke - incredulously.
“Why?” He finally got out.
“I have this idea in my mind that Gavin didn’t leave by choice.”
“Huh?”
“Maybe he was threatened to leave because someone wanted him gone.”
“God, Luke. Are you a sucker of conspiracy-theories?”
“No, but I do know people like…”
“Like who?”
“Liath!”
“That again, really?”
“Listen, you told me you’d made plans to leave with him and take Ravi and even Katie with you.
Liath would have lost all the people he loved - and given the fact he has a thing for Katie, probably has for a long time…”
Reid stared as if Luke had grown two heads.
“And if I am right Gavin might reconsider and …”
“Step up at our door wanting to continue where we left?”
“Something like that.”
“And you think I’m going to fall at his feet to kiss them - totally blocking you out?”
“Maybe…I saw pictures of him…”
Reid approached him slowly and cupped his cheek before he spoke:
“Listen, Luke - Are you hearing me?” He insisted so that Luke finally met his intense but soft stare.
“I admit, the way Gavin left me almost killed me. It crashed my entire life plan. He was the only one I had known intimately. And I never questioned us staying together for the rest of our lives although our relationship wasn’t very easy-going. You know, I wasn’t blind nor dumb - such as Katie and Liath suspect me to have been when it came to Gavin. I was aware of his self-referentiality, his possessiveness and jealousy. He demanded exclusiveness in a paranoid way. And I could only deal with that because he didn’t expect anything from me he wouldn’t offer himself. Strangely enough he always expected me to cheat on him someday. He always had a long list of admirers but he didn’t see them - he was too busy looking at himself and me - believing I was his creature or something like that. Don’t look as if you don’t believe me. I had a long time to come to my senses and to figure all this out, you know. Seven years!”
“But…”
“There is no but. Look, I am not a spontaneous guy, I would never climb the highest diving board and jump into the water. I am the type who checks the risks carefully, ponders the risks and stands up there for hours considering if he should jump or not. But when I’ve finally made up my mind, I’ll jump and never look back. Do you understand what I mean?”
“With me you jumped without hesitating a lot.”
“Luke! You are the father of the most amazing kid, you agreed to give him a part of your liver without knowing him. When you look at him there is this adoration in your eyes, as if he is the most amazing creature in the world - and he is. You’ll see - the more you get to know him you’ll recognize what a great kid he is. He is smart, patient, kind - benignant beyond his age - and when he smiles - actually smiles - you’d kill for him. And it’s that smile of his I recognize in your smile. The night after your surgery I was mostly with him - but I sat with you, too. It was then that I knew, Luke. Even if you might hurt me one day, I’ll never stop loving you.”
“You won’t?”
“No, I won’t, you dickhead!”
Thumbing Luke’s tears flowing down his cheeks Reid leaned in and kissed him.
“This is so much more than about attraction and desire.”
“You’re not mad at me then?”
“No, I am surprised at your self-doubts, you seem so self-confident. And if your dad might kick Gavin’s ass a bit - I won’t bother.”
Luke moved even closer into Reid’s arms and crouched down so that he fit into the crook of Reid’s neck.
“Thank you, Luke.”
“For what?”
“For being honest…and for being jealous!” The last was accompanied by a soft chuckle.
When they looked each other in the eye, it felt as if those veils covering vulnerability were gently pushed aside and clear-blue admiration and love met their warm-brown answer.
The kiss that followed their silent confession spoke of promises to watch out for each other and to treat those bare souls with respect and due care.
Luke sighed into the kiss - there was something special about them. Last night Reid had been the insecure, shy and almost helpless one and Luke was strong, reassuring Reid and transcended his limits. Now Reid was the stronger one, so certain about his feelings for Luke. What a gift!
And Reid didn’t blame him because of his stupid idea asking Damian to go after Gavin. Maybe that was the most relieving thing. Not to be blamed for his feelings.
“I love you, Reid!”
“Right back to you…” and Reid’s growing erection emphasized his words.
But life wasn’t exactly a bowl of cherries for them right now so they weren’t surprised at all when a loud knock interrupted their kiss.
“Luke - are you in there? Your grandmother, Mrs. Walsh has already arrived!” DD grunted through the door.
Luke grabbed Reid’s hand and dragged him to the common living room.
There - exquisitely dressed as always - sitting in a chair was Lucinda, conversing with Liath.
When Luke and Reid entered the room she lifted her head - and her brows - and focused on her grandson.
“Luke, lovely Boy. Give your grandmother a hug!”
Reid’s sensitive, hyper-allergic nose instantly started tickling coming into contact with the all-enveloping cloud of “Cuir de Russie” clinging to Lucinda. But the tall woman didn’t care - Luke was sure she already knew more about Reid than he did. Luke hesitated a second and took his grandmother in first. She had trespassed the “big 8” and yet she was gorgeous, impressive. Luke loved that she resisted nipping and tucking but wore the signs of her age with dignity and grace. She even quit having her hair dyed and the silver bob intensified her blue eyes. They hugged for quite a while and Luke inhaled her familiar fragrance, he felt so much safer with her close to them.
“And you are Reid.” With that Lucinda pulled the man who was totally taken by surprise in a civil embrace. The message was clear: ‘You are my grandson’s love-interest and that makes you family. So why bother with formalities?’
Reid actually couldn’t prevent himself from sneezing but finally managed to say:
”I am thrilled to meet you, too!”
Lucinda rewarded him with one of her deepest chuckles but was suddenly distracted by two new arrivals.
“Hello? You must be Ruby and Ravi, right? I am Lucinda, Luke’s grandmother - that makes me your great grandmother.” She included Ruby unceremoniously and got a big smile from the girl in return.
“Look at you - how gorgeous are those thick braids of yours?” And the smile widened. Luke slightly shook his head - his grandmother was a charmer when she wanted something and she surely wanted those kids to like her.
“This is my brother!” Ruby pointed at Ravi who took a step forward and offered Lucida his hand. Luke watched him closely, given his son’s reluctance when it came to Damian he was anxious about the boy’s reaction to Lucinda. He wanted him to like her. Somehow he needed him to like a family member of his.
Lucinda smiled down at the skinny boy and had to fight tears! He reminded her so much of Luke. Sure he looked different, his hair was thicker and auburn and his skin was covered with freckles, but the big brown eyes and the cleft building in his chin - and then he smiled and his dimples deepened and the old lady was almost speechless. She bent down and took his hand in hers.
“Hello Ravi! It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you!”
Ravi didn’t say much but he hadn’t the wary expression he always showed when Damian was around. Luke exhaled somewhat in relief - Luke felt bad enough for his father that Ravi didn’t like him, so at least the boy seemed more at ease with Lucinda who couldn’t avert her eyes from Ravi.
Everybody else watched the scene between the great Lucinda Walsh, still one of the most influential tycoons, and Ravi Oliver, her grandson’s son.
“We call Liath Gran-Li…we could call you Gran-Lu!” Ruby’s suggestion broke the spell.
“You are a very smart young Lady! I consider it an honor to be your Gran-Lu!”
Lucinda wasn’t easy to impress but Luke could tell she was smitten by the youngest Olivers.
Luke cleared his throat and commented: “Your hair - you wear it in a different way. It looks great, grandmother!”
“That’s what I like about gay men - they actually see a woman’s appearance!” Lucinda said to everybody around.
“Not all of them! Reid wouldn’t even notice if I’d shave my head!”
Katie - who’d just arrived - chimed in and offered Lucinda her hand. “I am Kathryn Peretti, Ruby’s and Ravi’s mother. Nice to meet you Mrs. Walsh.”
Lucinda tilted her head and smiled down at the small woman.
“Nice to meet you!”
“But you would notice if I did, right?” Ruby inquiry was suddenly heard and she stared at her father as if she was upset.
“Sure, I would. I counted each and every of those millions of hairs on your head - and I don’t want to miss any of them.”
Luke watched his grandmother intently wondering what she was thinking and when a knowing smile spread across her face he could tell that Reid had just charmed Lucinda Walsh.
Eventually Holly approached and asked politely if Lucinda was planning on spending the night at the mansion. She’d prepared the guest-room next to Luke’s in that event.
Luke was certain that it wasn’t the prospect of having a room next to her grandson but to be close to the children that changed Lucinda’s mind.
“Thank you, it’s my pleasure to be your guest!” She addressed Reid, Liath and Katie.
So it was a done deal that Lucinda stayed at the Oliver mansion as long as it took to figure a few things out, and Luke was happy. Tomorrow Damian would arrive and although he probably wouldn’t move in with them it was a great relief to know he was close.
Averting his eyes from Lucinda Luke noticed Ravi watch her intently, but the boy’s expression was open and he smiled back when Lucinda searched his attention and smiled at him.
During dinner it was Ruby who dominated the conversation and once again Ravi just sat there, slowly ate his food and listened.
When it was time for the kids to go to sleep they made their round and said goodnight to everybody.
It was then that Luke couldn’t help himself and reached up and carefully tousled Ravi’s hair for the first time. His hand shook slightly because he didn’t know if it was too soon to show that kind of affection. But Ravi bent his head and leaned his temple against Luke’s - only a second or maybe two but to Luke it felt like a huge step and when his gaze met Reid’s and he saw his smile he wondered how he could be so lucky.